The Melanesian Spearhead Group representatives and senior Police officers will today begin thorough discussions on Police and Security issues at Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi.

The inaugural two days meeting will be chaired by Solomon Islands. The Fiji Police Force will also be making presentations on various progress reports.

The Minister for Defence and National Security, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola last night welcomed the ministers and Police officers through a traditional welcome ceremony at the hotel.

The ceremony was followed by a cocktail.

Ratu Inoke said the meeting was a result of the decision taken by the MSG leaders earlier in July during a meeting.

“We have MSG Police officers from Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands and we look forward to the meeting which is hosted by Fiji but chaired by Solomon Islands.”

Meanwhile the chairperson of the MSG Secretariat Meeting and representative from Solomon Islands, Peter Agovaka, said one of the major discussions at the meeting will be in regards to the plans for putting up a regional Police academy.

“This was an idea that came about when Ratu Inoke and I were Foreign Ministers, and now that we look after the interest of Police and Security, we have put it forward to MSG to consider,” Mr Agovaka said.

He said it would be the topic of debate and discussion. But with the regional Police academy, our Police officers will train, share information and resources.

“In our respective countries so Police in the Melanesian regions are working together to make sure that our people are safe,” Mr Agovaka added.

The meeting will follow up on the progress report on the Police and security issues particularly the outcome of the sixth Police Commissioner Conference which was held in Suva in April.

Edited by Maraia Vula

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